Humboldt County supervisor candidate Q&A: Ryan Sundberg

Before the upcoming June 3 primary, the Times-Standard sent a list of questions to each of the four candidates running for the 4th and 5th district Humboldt County Board of Supervisors seats. The list of questions are similar in that they address the same topics, but were phrased differently depending on whether they were sent to an incumbent or a challenger. The candidate responses will be published as a two-part series. The following responses are from 5th District Humboldt County Supervisor Ryan Sundberg:

Past experience

My years as a member of the Trinidad Rancheria Tribal Council gave me invaluable experience in how to be effective in elected office. My work in private business as an insurance agent also helped, but the single greatest experience that has helped is my lifetime living in the 5th District. No amount of education or training can replace the unique understanding of the diverse communities gained from that lifetime of experience. I have been successful in helping communities like Willow Creek, Hoopa and Orick because I know people there. The huge network of people throughout this county I have developed is a resource that helps me meet the needs of this office.

Humboldt County's top issues

Two of our top issues are jobs and public safety. I have worked with employers to bring good jobs to the 5th District. I worked to assist the location and development of the new Federal Courthouse in McKinleyville and assisted Cypress Grove Chevre to build their dairy in McKinleyville. I have begun working on developing a business park on the airport property in McKinleyville to allow businesses to locate there to take advantage of the free trade zone status. This provides great opportunity for the future because of the location next to the air freight facility and direct access to U.S. Highway 101. I have been working to support funding for public safety, and for that reason I have been endorsed by Sheriff Michael Downey and the Humboldt County Sheriff's Organization. I am working with my fellow board members to develop additional funding to allow for additional sheriff deputies to be available to respond to calls.

5th District's top issues

The top issues in the 5th District are the same as the county as a whole, that is jobs and public safety, but one of the issues I addressed was McKinleyville's need to have a better voice in the issues that affect them. I am proud that I was able to form the McKinleyville Municipal Advisory Committee that was called for when the McKinleyville Community Plan was adopted in 2002. They are up and running and addressing many issues specific to McKinleyville, like the Central Avenue Safety Improvement Project.

Representing the 5th District

I committed myself to represent everyone in this district and have worked diligently to seek out all sides in an issue to hear all concerns. This is a huge district, and I have frequently visited every community in this district. Because of my efforts I have been endorsed by nearly every elected and appointed official in this district. I have been endorsed by Congressman Jared Huffman, our past Congressman Mike Thompson, Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro, Sheriff Michael Downey, and in all about 50 elected and appointed people in Humboldt County. This overwhelming support only comes from my effective leadership representing the 5th District.

The General Plan

When we began to review the draft Plan, it became clear that when it was written over 10 years ago, that times have changed and it was necessary to address the current realities facing Humboldt County. The second reality was that the draft plan was so huge that a county our size did not have the staff and money necessary to administer the proposed draft. The third challenge was to develop a plan that had language that was not vague and open to many different interpretations. The final challenge is to develop a plan that balances the protection of our resources and to meet the needs for housing and jobs. There has been significant public participation and it is very important to weigh this valuable input, and that is not a fast process. We are 80 percent done and will soon be completing the review. It is important for people to know that on our Resource Lands Ag and Timber, we had 5-0 votes to efficiently protect these vital lands.

Criticisms

The top criticism I hear is that I do not always vote to support some of the people who support my campaign. I am committed to listening to all sides and to do the right thing, which means that I will not always agree with some of my supporters.

Why are you seeking reelection?

I am seeking reelection because of my love for Humboldt County, and how much I enjoy being the 5th District Supervisor. I am working to see that my daughter, Sofie, inherits a county that has opportunity, and a quality of life that she is proud of. I am encouraged by the immense outpouring of support from all political views. I look forward to continuing to serve Humboldt County and the 5th District as your supervisor. I would be honored to have your vote on June 3.